'48 VAC amp gauge

mikefromiowa · Aug 1, 2010

The last time I mowed with my VAC, I noticed that my amp gauge was jumping madly back and forth. also, it would sometimes show about an amp of discharge as if it isn't charging. I would then go back to charging. Seems to start acting up after it has warmed up for about 1/2 hour or so. It is all stock with a newer amp gauge, and light switch with resistor for cut out. Would a bad cut out cause the jumping amp gauge or is my generator giving up the ghost? I'm thinking not. I've noticed that when I put the new light switch the amp gauge was showing a charge of about 18 amps. if I run the lights, it shows about 8 amp charge. Seems that the low charge and high charge is little difference. I'm assuming that I probably need to adjust my 3rd brush.

any help would be great. thanks.

rvirgil_KS · Aug 2, 2010

If I read this right it sounds like you have two problems.
Amp Gauge: erratic action could be due to dirty/worn points in the cutout or by generator problems.
I've also had two cheapie amp gauges from local Farm & tractor store that would jump all over, especially at higher rpm. Replaced them with a better quality gauge and solved the problem.

Lights produce a load on generator so it's normal to see a reduced charge when lights are on.

Your statement "Seems that the low charge and high charge is little difference". The resistor on the light switch is in series with field terminal on generator. On low charge the resistor is in circuit and lowers field current and thus the charge. On high charge the switch shorts out the resistor allowing full charge. If no difference it sounds like a switch problem or the field wire is shorted to ground.

mikefromiowa · Aug 2, 2010

(quoted from post at 09:12:54 08/02/10) If I read this right it sounds like you have two problems.
Amp Gauge: erratic action could be due to dirty/worn points in the cutout or by generator problems.
I've also had two cheapie amp gauges from local Farm & tractor store that would jump all over, especially at higher rpm. Replaced them with a better quality gauge and solved the problem.

[b:551ac5e3ab]It is a quality amp gauge purchased from this site. Even has the Case logo on it [/b:551ac5e3ab]

Lights produce a load on generator so it's normal to see a reduced charge when lights are on.

[b:551ac5e3ab]I realize this. The one thing I notice, is that when it is charging, I run the lights to keep the charge to the battery small. As I continue to mow, the charge gets less and less down to 0. If I turn off the lights its back up, but somewhere around 14 amps or so. Not as high as when its cold, but still way to high.[/b:551ac5e3ab]

Your statement "Seems that the low charge and high charge is little difference". The resistor on the light switch is in series with field terminal on generator. On low charge the resistor is in circuit and lowers field current and thus the charge. On high charge the switch shorts out the resistor allowing full charge. If no difference it sounds like a switch problem or the field wire is shorted to ground.

[b:551ac5e3ab]I just replaced the switch with a new one from Steiner Tractor Parts. I suppose it could be faulty. I'm sure it is hooked up correctly, but I will check it again. Wiring has also been completely redone a couple of years ago. No problems until switch change out.

Here is the switch I replaced with http://www.external_link/ACS139-3-p...-ca-g-wc-wd-wd45-all-with-cutout-on-generator My serial number is 52 something, but it has the cutout and not regulator. I'm at a loss. Thanks for any help![/b:551ac5e3ab]

'48 VAC amp gauge

mikefromiowa

Member

rvirgil_KS

Well-known Member

mikefromiowa

Member

Similar threads